SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee seeks public comment on Paul Dame and Michael Leavitt who were appointed to the Fifth District Juvenile Court.

Those who desire to comment should contact Mike Christensen at the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, Utah State Capitol, House Building, Suite W210, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-5210, by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. All statements should include the respondent's name, telephone number, and mailing address.

The Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee will hold a public hearing and
make a recommendation to the full senate, prior to the final confirmation vote, likely to take place in June.

The Fifth District Court includes Beaver, Iron and Washington Counties. If confirmed, Mr. Dame will replace Judge Hans Chamberlain, who retired on May 1
st. Mr. Leavitt would replace Judge Karla Staheli who resigned on February 1
st.

SALT LAKE CITY – Today, Gov. Gary R. Herbert appointed Paul Dame and Michael Leavitt to the 5th District Juvenile Court. The 5th District includes: Beaver, Iron and Washington Counties.

“I am proud to appoint Paul and Michael and welcome them into this new position,” said the governor. “I have complete confidence they will uphold the highest principles of justice, kindness, civility and integrity as they serve on the 5th District Juvenile Court.”

Paul Dame – Dame served as a Washington County Justice Court Judge in St. George from 2004 to 2014. There he handled misdemeanor criminal cases, felony and misdemeanor search warrants, and probable-cause-bail reviews for juveniles and adults. Between 1995 and 2004, Dame worked as the St. George city prosecutor and then as chief deputy Washington County prosecutor. Dame received his Juris Doctor in 1990, graduating cum laude from Brigham Young University.

“It's an honor to be appointed. I'm grateful to Gov. Herbert and his staff,” said Dame. “I’m excited to work with the judges, attorneys and contributing agencies in the 5th District. I will work very hard, and I look forward to serving my community in this new capacity."

Michael Leavitt – Leavitt served as an Attorney at Durham Jones & Pinegar from 2002 to 2014. There he practiced commercial and business litigation, property and domestic disputes, collections and representation of creditors in bankruptcy, among others. From 2004-06 Leavitt taught paralegal skills, including business law and ethics, at Dixie State College. He has also served as a member of the Utah State Bar Board of Commissioners, since 2012. Leavitt graduated from the University of Idaho, College of Law, with his Juris Doctor in 2002.

“I am passionate about seeing families grow together, and young people grow up to become successful adults,” said Leavitt. “I am honored to be part of that process in the 5th District Juvenile Court, and grateful for Gov. Herbert’s confidence in me in this endeavor.”

Dame fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Hans Chamberlain on May 1. Leavitt fills the vacancy created by the resignation, due to personal health concerns, of Judge Karla Staheli on Feb. 1. The governor’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the Utah State Senate.